Daycare Cost in St. Paul, MN (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1570/month in St. Paul. 28% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1380/month, preschool $1180/month.
St. Paul average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1570
28% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1380
$16,560/year
Preschool (center)
$1180
$14,160/year
School Age
$990
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1230
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$3,250
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
St. Paul vs. Minnesota vs. National Average
How St. Paul compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | St. Paul |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,570/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,380/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,180/mo |
| School Age — Center | $990/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,230/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,250/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in St. Paul
Full-time infant center care in St. Paul costs $18,840/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — St. Paul families pay $4,080 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$18,840
Toddler / year
$16,560
Preschool / year
$14,160
School Age / year
$11,880
Childcare Subsidies in Minnesota
Minnesota participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $7,200/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $1,000/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in St. Paul
How much does daycare cost in St. Paul?
Infant center-based daycare in St. Paul averages $1570/month in 2026. That's $340 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does St. Paul compare to the Minnesota state average?
St. Paul infant daycare runs about $170/month (12%) above the Minnesota statewide average of $1400/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in Minnesota.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in St. Paul?
Yes. In St. Paul: infant care ($1570/month) → toddler care ($1380/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($1180/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($990/month, 37% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in St. Paul?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in St. Paul averages $3,250/month versus $1570/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Minnesota daycare costs
See the full Minnesota statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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